AT THE ALLEN / FALL 2024 / 9 heavily in the arts. Artists who had honed their skills under samurai patronage turned to creating intricate works for international exhibitions, captivating audiences around the globe. Bronze sculptures like the Allen’s incense burner were among the most striking examples of Meiji-era artistry, symbolizing not just beauty, but also Japan’s cultural and technological advancements during this period of rapid change. ALegacy of Art: FromtheOlneyGallery to theAllen Before finding its permanent home in Oberlin, Incense Burner with Dragon Base was part of the collection at Cleveland’s first art museum, the Olney Art Gallery. Founded in 1893, the gallery was known for its eclectic displays of art and natural curiosities. In 1904, Charles and Abigail Olney bequeathed their collection to Oberlin College, laying the foundation for what would become the Allen Memorial Art Museum. The restoration of Incense Burner with Dragon Base marks the culmination of a 120-year journey. Once thought of as a decorative fountain, the entire work has been reassembled in all its grandeur, allowing visitors to experience the full impact of this masterpiece. Dragons Through theAges: ASpecial Exhibition To celebrate the dragon’s rebirth and the Year of the Dragon in 2024, the Allen presents a special exhibition that explores the rich symbolism of dragons across different cultures. The restored Incense Burner with Dragon Base serves as the centerpiece, accompanied by other dragon-themed works, such as the 16th-century Japanese paintings Ascending Dragon and Descending Dragon, and a contemporary video installation titled Five Dragons by Chinese artist Yang Yongliang. This exhibition examines the dual nature of dragons as both mystical protectors in East Asian lore and fearsome beasts in European mythology, as depicted in English painter John Martin’s Cadmus and the Dragon (1813). We invite the public to witness the rebirth of this extraordinary work of art and to explore the enduring legacy of the dragon in art and culture. REBIRTH OF THE DRAGON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 MIKE CRUPI
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